Ed Deason is a strategic business coach with a mission to empower freelancers, founders, and small business owners by giving them access to big-business strategies typically reserved for large corporations. With over 20 years of experience in corporate strategy and people management, combined with a passion for coaching, Ed helps entrepreneurs build sustainable, scalable businesses. His journey reflects resilience, continuous growth, and the belief that anyone can achieve greatness with the right support and mindset. At Fuzia, we celebrate leaders like Ed, who are creating real impact and fostering global collaboration.
What inspired you to start your journey, and how did it all begin?
I fell into coaching, really. After school and college, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do. I started in a corporate role and gradually worked my way up, eventually managing over 100 people. Through that experience, I received coaching and mentoring myself, which sparked my interest. I later completed a coaching qualification and realized that my passion lies in supporting freelancers and founders—people who are brilliant at their craft but need strategic support. My background in corporate strategy and my MBA gave me the tools to help small business owners access strategies used by big companies. That’s where I believe I can make the most difference.
Thinking back to the start of your career, what were some of the challenges you faced, and how did you overcome them?
The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that growth happens when you’re uncomfortable. Staying comfortable means staying stagnant. So, I believe the best way to overcome challenges is to lean into them. Acknowledge the problem, face it head-on, and grow through it. That mindset has helped me push through difficulties rather than avoiding them.
Can you share a proud moment or achievement from your journey?
Completing my MBA is one of my proudest achievements. I didn’t attend university initially and always felt that might hold me back. When I decided to pursue an MBA, I had to go through extra tests to prove I was capable. I passed, enrolled, and despite having no prior academic experience, I completed the program with Distinction. My dissertation was among the best in the cohort, and I was even invited to pursue a PhD. That achievement made me realize I’m capable of more than I ever believed.
What are your thoughts on women taking leadership roles alongside their male counterparts in today’s workplaces?
The best-performing teams are diverse teams. In my experience, teams that include people of different genders, ages, and backgrounds always perform better. There’s no reason women shouldn’t hold 50% of leadership positions or make up 50% of the workforce. Diversity brings stronger decision-making, creativity, and performance—it shouldn’t even be a question.
How does your work make a difference in people’s lives?
Coaching provides people with time and space to reflect on their business, life, and priorities. It helps them focus, make better decisions, and ultimately create the life they want—whether that’s more time for themselves, financial stability, or business growth. For me, coaching is about empowering people to design a business and life that works for them.
What advice would you give to aspiring women leaders and entrepreneurs?
Your voice matters. Your thinking matters. Don’t let your voice be drowned out by the loudest person in the room. If you’re feeling uncomfortable, that’s likely where your growth lies. Lean into those moments, make yourself heard, and remember—you have valuable insights to add.
“Growth comes from discomfort. Step into it, believe in yourself, and success will follow.”
Connect with the Featured Leader:
You can connect with Ed Deason on LinkedIn and explore his coaching services at deasoncoaching.com.
Want to be featured?
If you’d like to be featured in the Humans of Fuzia series, email us at fuziatalent@fuzia.com
